Ferry staff fear service 'will never run again'

People working for the Hythe ferry company have said they feel "let down" and have no idea if they will ever be able to return to work.

The service, which links the waterside village and Town Quay in Southampton, was suspended in August 2024 after the pontoon and its supporting structure at the end of Hythe pier were found to be damaged.

The company has said it needs to be replaced at a cost of £250,000 and is trying to raise the money through grants and crowdfunding.

But staff have raised concerns that no work has begun and the busy summer season is fast approaching.

Michael Bird, who worked full time as a crewman, was on a casual contract so has not been paid or had any work since the ferry was taken out of service.

"[My savings] are running out, I'm now lying awake at night struggling to sleep. I don't believe the company has a plan for getting this service up and running," he said.

Colleague Graham Charles, who was also a crewman, has set up a self-help support group for staff who meet every month.

"We've been left in the dark, they've kept us on hold, are expecting us to be loyal to them, but we've heard almost nothing and we're not feeling confident this work on the pontoon will ever start."

He added "finding a new job at our age will be difficult".

Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, spokesperson for Hythe ferry, said: "I can understand how the team is feeling. The door is always open for all staff to come and see us."

She added she was "frustrated" attempts to raise money from councils for the pontoon replacement had been fruitless so far.

New Forest District Council was the latest to reject an application for a capital grant, with many councillors saying it was wrong to use public money to support a private company.

Hampshire and Southampton councils have already refused grants.

The Hythe and Southampton ferry company was bought by Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel at the end of 2023.

Councillor Malcolm Wade, who sits on Hythe, New Forest and Hampshire councils, said he was trying every avenue to raise money.

"Red Funnel needs to put money on the table, because that would help get match funding from public bodies and support from local businesses and the community who would see their commitment to the service," he said.

In response, Red Funnel said it had invested in the service since taking over, with a full refit of the ferry.

It said it anticipated "providing a level of funding" for the pontoon but as an independent business the Hythe and Southampton ferry company "must provide an indication of funding it is able to raise autonomously".

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